Peanut Free and Nut Free

Other Food Allergies

Inhalers That Contain Soy

By Diane Wadhwa, January 29, 2013

Inhalers used for asthma, allergies, and COPD sometimes contain soy

Many people use inhalers to take the drug albuterol to help their asthma or allergies, and those with COPD also use inhalers. Most people do not realize that some commonly used inhalers contain soya lecithin, an emulsifier that is made from soybeans. If you are allergic to soybeans or to peanuts, this can be a real problem if you do not realize that your inhaler can cause an allergic reaction.

Some people who are allergic to peanuts have a reaction to soy as well

If you have a peanut allergy, it is possible to have a reaction to soy products as well. This allergic response is referred to as a cross-reaction when a person is allergic to one food and has an allergic reaction to a closely related food.

Inhalers with soya lecithin

An albuterol inhaler that contains soya lecithin is Combivent that combines alberterol with ipatropium. It is usually prescribed when albuterol alone does not work to clear a patient's lungs and stop wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Two other commonly prescribed inhalers that contain soya lecithin are Flovent, and Altrovent. They do not contain albuterol, but have other medications that are used to prevent asthma symptoms.

A drug used as an oral inhalation medicine also contains soya lecithin

Atrovent is an oral inhalation medicine that is prescribed for patients with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD. Atrovent prevents bronchospasm and makes it easier to breathe because it opens the lungs. This medication contains soya lecithin and is commonly known as Ipratropium, the generic name of the drug.

Inhalers that do not contain soy

Proventil and Ventolin are very popular albuterol inhalers that do not contain soya lecithin. They are a good choice if you have a peanut allergy or are allergic to soy because you will not have peanut allergy symptoms from these medications. It is important to mention your food allergies to your doctor if you are going to be prescribed an inhaler so that you receive one of the types withoy soy. If you did not discuss your allergies with your doctor, you can call your pharmacist and ask whether your inhaler has soy in it. If so, it is important to contact your doctor for another type of inhaler for your asthma, allergies, or COPD.

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